How a Secrets Manager Extension for Cursor and VS Code Strengthens Developer Security

Read full article here: https://www.akeyless.io/blog/akeyless-secrets-manager-for-cursor-ai/?utm_source=nhimg

Even in 2025, one of the biggest risks in software development is still hardcoded secrets — API keys, database passwords, and tokens slipping into repositories. Once leaked, these credentials can open the door to data breaches, compliance violations, and costly incidents.

Why does this keep happening?

• Security tools live outside the coding environment.
• Managing secrets forces developers to break their workflow.

As AI-powered IDEs like Cursor transform how we code, security needs to keep pace.

Meet the Akeyless Secrets Manager Extension

The new Akeyless Secrets Manager extension for Cursor and VS Code changes the game. It embeds enterprise-grade secrets management

directly into your editor, so developers can:

• Detect hardcoded secrets in real time.
• Save and manage credentials with one click.
• Access secrets securely from the editor sidebar.

No more switching tabs or juggling tools — security flows with your coding.

How Cursor Secrets Management Works

The Akeyless extension makes secure development frictionless:

• Seamless integration – Right-click to save secrets directly to Akeyless without leaving Cursor or VS Code.
• Real-time feedback – Get alerts in the “Problems” panel when potential secrets are detected.
• Centralized access – Browse, search, and copy secrets directly in your IDE sidebar.
• Full code scans – Use the command palette to run instant repository-wide scans for exposed credentials.

Why Akeyless Built This

Developers want speed, enterprises need security. Traditional vaults slow teams down, while unsecured workflows lead to leaks.

Cursor and VS Code power today’s AI-driven development, but they lacked a built-in secrets manager. Akeyless bridges that gap with a tool designed for individual developers, platform teams, and enterprises alike.

Getting Started: 3 Simple Steps

1. Install the Akeyless CLI (brew install akeyless/tap/akeyless) and authenticate.
2. In Cursor or VS Code, search Extensions for “Akeyless Secrets Manager” and install.
3. Start coding securely — scan, save, and manage secrets directly in your IDE.

Secure Your AI-Driven Development Today

Hardcoded secrets are still one of the most common causes of breaches. With the Akeyless extension for Cursor and VS Code, you get real-time protection, enterprise-grade security, and zero workflow friction.